Episodes
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In this episode, host Chris Abad interviews Peter Merholz, an influential design executive and co-founder of Adaptive Path. Peter chats about his unconventional journey from an anthropology major to a design pioneer, and how his background uniquely impacted his approach to human-centered design. They discuss the challenges and insights gained from scaling design teams, spearheading innovation in user experience, and the evolving landscape of design leadership. For anyone curious about blending creativity, technology, and leadership in a design career, this conversation offers invaluable advice and inspiration.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Discovering Design Through Books
02:52 Transitioning from Web Development to Design
03:44 Anthropology's Influence on Design
06:39 Early Career and First Management Role
09:32 Founding Adaptive Path
16:06 Challenges and Evolution of Design Leadership
32:12 Aligning on Values 33:21 Consulting Business Dynamics
34:54 Innovative Approaches and Utilization Rates
37:05 Transition and Exit from Adaptive Path
38:26 Impact on User Experience Profession
40:49 Writing and Impact of 'Design for Design Orgs'
42:13 Challenges in Scaling Design Teams
52:00 Recruiting and Hiring Practices
56:59 Navigating the Interview Process
01:03:37 Final Thoughts and Advice
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In this compelling episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Angel Steger, exploring her fascinating career evolution from architecture to leading roles in UX and product design at major tech companies. Angel shares how her architectural background provided a unique competitive edge in digital design, discusses her experiences at MySpace, Zoopit, and 23andMe, and offers practical advice for designers. Key topics include the importance of transferable skills, navigating internal company dynamics, fostering healthy work environments, and leveraging diverse experiences to enhance your design portfolio. Tune in to gain insights into transitioning between industries, building a strong network, and crafting impactful design work.
00:00 Introduction
00:48 Discovering Architecture at RISD
04:54 The Reality of an Architecture Career
07:33 Transitioning from Architecture to Tech
08:33 First Steps in the Tech World with MySpace
17:06 Lessons in Leadership and Team Dynamics
24:21 Joining 23andMe: Designing for Impact
29:47 Diving into UX Design from Architecture
30:48 The Influence of Architecture on UX
32:11 Teamwork and Leadership in Design
34:17 Navigating Career Transitions
36:06 The Power of Networking
40:03 Building a Strong Portfolio
46:03 Insights on Hiring and Self-Initiated Work
53:49 Embracing Diverse Backgrounds in Design
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Missing episodes?
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This episode of Pixelated Path features Michelle Morrison, who shares her unique career trajectory from almost becoming a dentist to heading design operations at top tech companies like Square, Twitter, and Google. Hosted by Chris Abad, the conversation delves into Michelle's experiences navigating hyper-growth startups, shaping the future of design ops with AI at Google, and offering insights for forging a non-traditional tech career. Key discussions include the importance of operational excellence, the pivotal roles of mentorship and community, and strategies for adapting design practices to different company phases and challenges.
00:00 Introduction
00:53 Early Aspirations and Career Redirection
03:42 Industrial Design and the Impact of the 2008 Recession
05:51 Transition to Tech: Apple Store Experience
10:50 Joining Square: From Retail to Tech Operations
15:11 Challenges and Growth at Square
19:14 Design Operations Across Different Companies
28:14 Navigating Hyper Growth in Startups
28:44 Effective Tools for Team Transition
30:40 Rebuilding the Design Team at Dropbox
32:00 Creative Strategies for Talent Acquisition
32:36 Fostering Internal Culture and Community
37:38 Lessons from Leading Design at Twitter
42:23 Joining Google: Overcoming Insecurities
49:18 Balancing Mental Health and Creative Work
54:37 Amplifying Marginalized Voices in Design
59:58 Advice for Aspiring DesignOps Professionals
01:02:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Kai Haley, a prominent figure in UX design. Kai shares her remarkable journey from studying anthropology to becoming a pivotal force in shaping design sprints at Google. The conversation delves into her early passion for the creative arts, the transitions between different creative disciplines, and her continuous quest for self-challenge and growth. Kai offers insights into the importance of curiosity, resilience, and structured design processes. She also discusses the development of Google's Sprint Leadership Academy, her role in design sprints, and the evolution of her career through various in-house and agency roles. This episode is packedwith valuable lessons for anyone interested in the intersection of creativity, strategy, and the evolving field of UX design.00:00 Introduction
01:09 Early Creative Influences
03:04 Exploring Architecture and Design
04:23 Transitioning to UX Design
09:06 Starting a Design Agency
11:28 Lessons from Running a Business
15:50 In-House Design Experience
21:31 Balancing Work and Education
25:31 Balancing Optimism and Realism
25:49 Graduate School vs. Workforce
26:17 The Value of a Master's Degree
27:12 Building a Creative Foundation
28:22 Community and Networking
30:39 Transitioning to Management at Google
33:44 Creating Unique Roles at Google
37:28 Impact of Design Sprints
44:36 Continuous Learning and Career Advice
48:00 Connecting and Networking
49:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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Navigating the Crossroads of Psychology, Technology, and Art with Jess HolbrookIn this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad delves into the fascinating career journey of Jess Holbrook. With a background in psychology, technology, and art, Jess has become a pivotal figure in the field of responsible AI. From his formative experiences in human-computer interaction to influential roles at tech giants like Microsoft, Google, and Meta, Jess shares insights on career growth, facing rejection, the evolution of AI, and the intersection of various disciplines. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on maintaining motivation, the significance of responsible AI, and advice for career navigation in the fast-changing tech industry.00:00 Introduction 01:25 Early Career and Internship Experience03:39 The Intersection of Art, Psychology, and Technology07:45 Navigating Career Challenges and Rejections14:15 Advice for Aspiring Researchers and PhD Candidates25:53 Transitioning to Management and Leadership34:15 Self-Doubt and Self-Destruction in the Workplace34:55 The Dangers of Overconfidence35:57 Balancing Humility and Self-Improvement36:15 Techniques for Improving Self-Awareness37:56 The Importance of Asking Questions39:00 Challenges of Qualitative Research at Amazon44:23 Transitioning to AI at Google49:08 The Role of Responsible AI51:31 Staying Sharp in a Dynamic Field01:01:46 Advice for Early Career Professionals in AI01:05:44 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews UX designer Jen Wong about her courageous transition from a successful role at Dropbox to pursuing her entrepreneurial dreams. Jen discusses her journey, including the foundational role her passion for foster care played, the challenges of navigating a career with ADHD, and her strategies for maintaining mental health. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI and UX design, the importance of authenticity, and valuable insights for early-career designers navigating the current tough job market.00:00 Introduction01:11 Early Career Struggles and Discovering Design02:07 Starting a Nonprofit and Learning UX05:26 The Importance of Being Authentic07:34 Pivotal Career Moments08:13 Leaving Dropbox for Entrepreneurship17:52 Joining Netflix and Balancing Mental Health22:27 Strategies for Managing Mental Health at Work28:12 The Role of a Senior Designer at Netflix32:52 Creativity and Challenging the Status Quo34:14 Navigating ADHD in a Professional Context35:43 Finding Your Flow: Hyper-Focus Strategies36:50 Dealing with Rejection Dysphoria38:18 Balancing Tasks in Large Companies39:59 The Power of Passion Projects41:35 Uncovering Insights Through Investigation44:24 Leveraging AI in UX Design45:53 Future of UX Design with AI53:52 Advice for Aspiring UX Designers57:23 Navigating the Job Market01:03:56 Wrap-Up
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad interviews Renda Morton about her journey from running a successful design studio in New York to taking on leadership roles at the New York Times and Dropbox. Renda shares her experiences of transitioning from a small studio environment to corporate settings, dealing with challenges, and avoiding burnout while maintaining creative energy. She also discusses the pivotal moments in her career, including the iPad era's impact on digital design, the Wirecutter acquisition, and her recent shift to a more balanced lifestyle as a certified coach. Tune in for valuable insights on navigating career leaps and sustaining passion in design.00:00 Introduction01:14 Early Interest in Art and Design04:11 First Job Abroad: Experience in Holland10:38 Transition to New York's Design Scene16:36 Starting and Running a Design Studio19:58 Challenges of Running a Design Business22:35 Decision to Move to the Corporate World24:55 Navigating Career Transitions27:38 Adjusting to a Corporate Environment32:10 Climbing the Leadership Ladder35:12 The Wirecutter Acquisition39:42 Experiencing and Overcoming Burnout41:24 A New Chapter: Embracing Coaching48:02 Advice for Career Pivots49:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of Pixelated Path, host Chris Abad welcomes Josh Silverman and Billie Mandel, two seasoned professionals in UX design and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores their extensive careers, highlighting their roles in major tech companies and their commitment to mentorship and inclusive design. Josh and Billie share stories of their long-standing friendship and professional collaborations, the pivotal moments that defined their paths, and the lessons they've learned in the evolving field of UX. They also delve into the importance of self-leadership and offer valuable advice for upcoming designers. The episode wraps up with an exciting announcement about their new Group Coaching Club, aimed at fostering growth and support within the creative and technical community.
00:00 Introduction
02:12 The Early Days: How Josh and Billie Met
07:12 Entrepreneurial Beginnings
12:20 Josh's Leap into Schwadesign
22:51 Billie's Path to Synesthetics
32:22 First Professional Collaboration
35:36 The Role of AI in Design
36:50 The Importance of Buy-In and Culture Change
37:38 Teaching and Mentoring in Design
39:22 Navigating Workplace Politics
41:03 Building Sustainable and Scalable Products
42:49 Empowering Junior Designers
45:09 The Value of Fresh Perspectives
53:58 The Impact of the Pandemic on Careers
59:09 Launching a Group Coaching Club
01:11:15 Words of Wisdom for New Designers
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Josh Brewer's career in design started with a transition from teaching to freelance work. He developed his skills through self-education and a deep dive into web and graphic design. His early experiences in collaboration with talented engineers shaped his understanding of the importance of design and engineering working together. He emphasized the need for honesty, trust, and integrity in professional relationships and the value of being open and transparent about project challenges.
Brewer's work at Twitter led to the genesis of Abstract, a tool that enables designers to work collaboratively and efficiently.
Josh Brewer shares his career journey from being a teacher to working at Twitter, starting his startup, and now helping startup founders. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration between designers and engineers and the need for designers to understand the business side of things. He also talks about the challenges he faced in his career and the importance of being true to oneself.
Josh advises young designers to lean into their unique qualities, develop business acumen, and constantly create and learn.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:51 Getting Started in UX Design
04:59 Self-Education in Graphic and Web Design
07:46 Transitioning to Startups and the Importance of Collaboration
11:28 Confronting Challenges and Making Career Moves
29:18 Building Trust and Leading by Example
37:43 Navigating Career Transitions and Taking Risks
47:25 Developing Business Acumen as a Designer
49:54 The Value of Creating and Making Things
57:18 Finding Enjoyment in the Work and Being True to Oneself
01:04:54 The Unique Perspective of a Designer in Business
